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23-03-2012
 
Bob Bentley
Bob Bentley

INDUSTRY rivals say it would by "hypocrisy" for Racing Queensland Chairman Bob Bentley to do anything other than resign should the LNP win government on Saturday in light of his comments regarding the Opposition's racing policy.

Bentley described the LNP's policy of restoring a board for each code as "nonsensical" and "against the principles of good management," forcing his public sparring partner and BRC Chairman Kevin Dixon on to the front foot.

"The current Board of RQL, over the last few weeks, have systematically politicised the office of RQL," Dixon said.

"I was encouraged to see reported that the current Board would resign immediately should the LNP win government on Saturday.

"Given their opposition to the LNP and its policies, to do anything else but resign would be hypocritical and put an already suffering industry into further distress."

Dixon described the LNP's racing policy as "a breath of fresh air for a suffocating industry."

"Once again the racing industry will be able to operate under the expectation that the integrity of the industry is safe from Board interference," he said.

Queensland breeders president Basil Nolan also welcomed the policy, which provides a $5 million injection to QTIS.

"We need help from government and this money will help breeders and racing all over the state," he said.

Bentley released a series of updates on Wednesday regarding the current status of the industry infrastructure plan, clearly taking issue with the LNP's stated intention to instigate "a priority review to ensure projects approved under the program meet future industry requirements."

The LNP has guaranteed the $110 million allocation will stay, but apart from the $35.4 million Gold Coast upgrade, all other projects are up for debate.

Stewards have conceded the current process of weighing out jockeys before a race may have to be reviewed after an incident on Wednesday almost led to another saga involving apprentice Patrick Keane.

Having just returned from a one-month suspension for weighing in light on Eagle Farm winner Gold Rating, Keane's mount Dozing Stampede had to be resaddled prior to race two.

Keane claims he had to plead with stewards to have the weight checked. "I told them there was a problem and it was only after five minutes they agreed," he said.

Acting chief steward Daniel Aurisch said the clerk of the scales initially made a mistake but when alerted, the horse was unsaddled, allowing Keane to weigh out properly. It was found the weight was 0.16kg under the allotted handicap.

"I have submitted a report to identify the reason for the initial mistake and moving forward to put in place a better process so it doesn't happen again," Aurisch said.

In an unrelated incident, Keane was later fined $200 for not weighing in after the race on Dozing Stampede, who finished fifth.

"It seems wrong that I get fined for my mistake, but stewards don't even put their error in the report," Keane said.

 
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